Cholesterol and Heart Health
Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in your blood and plays an essential role in your body’s functions. However, having high cholesterol, particularly LDL (“bad” cholesterol), increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In contrast, HDL (“good” cholesterol) helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, protecting against heart problems. Regular cholesterol checks can help detect risks early and allow for preventive measures.
Why Cholesterol Matters
Excess cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries, leading to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), which restricts blood flow. Over time, this can result in serious conditions such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease – Narrowed heart arteries that increase the risk of chest pain (angina) and heart attacks.
- Peripheral Artery Disease – Blocked blood flow to the legs and arms, causing pain and circulation issues.
- Carotid Artery Disease – Reduced blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of strokes.
Since high cholesterol does not cause noticeable symptoms, many people are unaware they are at risk until serious complications arise.
Cholesterol Testing and Healthy Ranges
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including:
- Total Cholesterol – Overall cholesterol in the blood.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “Bad” cholesterol that contributes to artery blockages.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “Good” cholesterol that helps clear excess cholesterol.
- Triglycerides – A type of fat that increases heart disease risk when levels are high.
Recommended Cholesterol Levels:
- LDL: Below 100 mg/dL
- HDL: Above 60 mg/dL
- Total Cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
If your cholesterol levels are borderline or high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
Managing and Preventing High Cholesterol
Lowering high cholesterol is possible through heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a balanced diet – Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting saturated and trans fats.
- Regular exercise – At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can help improve cholesterol levels.
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Reducing excess weight can lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol.
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption – Both contribute to poor cholesterol management and heart disease.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, medications such as statins may be prescribed to help manage cholesterol levels.
When Should You Get Your Cholesterol Checked?
Your cholesterol screening frequency depends on factors such as age, family history, and existing heart disease risks.
- Adults (20–44 years): Every 5 years
- Adults (45–65 years): Every 1–2 years
- Adults (65+ years): Annually
Individuals with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity should undergo more frequent cholesterol checks.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Regular cholesterol screening is a key step in preventing heart disease and stroke. Explore our Heart Screening Packages and consult our Cardiology Department for personalised advice on managing cholesterol levels and improving heart health.
